Former Colleagues Come Out for Sotomayor

By Jerry Markon
Former colleagues from Sonia Sotomayor’s years in the Manhattan district attorney’s office are expressing support for her Supreme Court nomination, calling her a dedicated prosecutor who “solemnly adheres to the rule of law.’’

Their letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, circulated today by the White House, says that Sotomayor “so distinguished herself” after joining the office in 1979 that she quickly graduated from misdemeanors to more challenging felony cases.

As Sotomayor prosecuted child pornography, murder and other crimes, she “impressed us as one who was singularly determined in fighting crime and violence. For Sonia, service as a prosecutor was a way to bring order to the streets of a City she dearly loves,’’ the letter says.

Sotomayor left the office in 1984 for a law firm and later became a federal judge.

The letter, signed by 41 former colleagues who say they reflect “different world views and political affiliations,’’ is part of the White House’s continuing effort to portray Sotomayor as a moderate on criminal justice issues.

Last month, for example, Vice President Biden joined representatives from eight law enforcement organizations – at an event that was arranged, directed and publicized by the White House communication staff – as they announced their support for Sotomayor.

“Sonia Sotomayor’s lifelong commitment to law enforcement is hard to argue with,’’ Biden said then.

Madam Sotomayor and Vice President Biden both were selected by the Democrats to fill equally important positions with no apparent oppositions to their appointments.
Boy have the Democrats screwed up again.